Endometriosis: Kirinyaga MP urges Government to include treatment under SHA

Nairobi, Kenya - The Woman Representative for Kirinyaga County, Njeri Maina, has urged the government to incorporate endometriosis treatment into the Universal Health Coverage scheme and make it available under the Social Health Authority (SHA). She highlighted the challenges faced by Kenyan women and girls suffering from the chronic condition, including delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and high treatment costs.

Endometriosis involves the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic and menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and infertility. Many women endure years of suffering before receiving a correct diagnosis due to undervalued symptoms. The condition can disrupt schooling, employment, and family life, leading to lost income and significant financial burdens.

Access to adequate care remains limited, especially in rural areas. Maina called for the inclusion of endometriosis services in the SHA, decentralization of diagnostic and specialized treatment to county and regional hospitals, and increased training of healthcare workers for early detection. She also proposed national research to understand the prevalence and economic and social impact of endometriosis in Kenya.

The MP emphasized that severe menstrual pain should not be normalized and urged women experiencing persistent pain to seek medical attention. Recognizing the work of advocates like Natalie Githinji and the late Mary Jambi Koikai, Maina stressed the importance of translating awareness into policy and accessible healthcare. She urged the government to support public awareness campaigns, improve early diagnosis, and make affordable treatment available nationwide, emphasizing that no woman should endure years of debilitating pain without proper care.